Iran has announced plans to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), citing recent Israeli military attacks on its nuclear infrastructure and accusing the United States of enabling the aggression.

RELATED:

Global Oil Crisis: Risks and Impacts of Iran Closing the Strait of Hormuz

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed Monday that the Iranian Parliament is drafting legislation to initiate the country’s withdrawal. Iran ratified the treaty in 1970, committing to refrain from acquiring nuclear weapons and to allow inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). If formally enacted, Iran’s exit could take effect 90 days after notification under Article 10 of the treaty.

Baghaei said Iran remains opposed to weapons of mass destruction but sees no value in remaining in an agreement that fails to guarantee the safety of its civilian nuclear facilities. He also called on the UN Security Council to pass a resolution condemning the Israeli attacks.

The IAEA reported extensive damage at the Natanz enrichment site, including the destruction of its electrical infrastructure—main power stations, emergency backup systems, and auxiliary buildings—caused by Israeli airstrikes last Friday. While the underground centrifuge hall was not physically hit, the agency warned that the loss of power could have compromised sensitive equipment. Traces of radiological and chemical contamination were detected inside the facility, though not in surrounding areas.

Four buildings at the Isfahan nuclear complex were also hit, including a uranium conversion plant, a central chemical lab, a fuel production facility, and a new site intended to process UF4 into enriched uranium metal. The underground enrichment facility at Fordow and the Khondab heavy water reactor were not affected.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed concern over the deliberate targeting of nuclear sites. “We cannot stand idle while nuclear facilities come under attack. Everything must be done to avoid a radiological accident with unforeseeable consequences,” he said, adding he is ready to travel to Iran to assess the situation.

The agency has also reported that Iran has enriched uranium up to 60%, below the 90% threshold required for weapons but far above the civilian-use benchmark. Western governments have repeatedly accused Tehran of pursuing weapons capabilities, a claim Iran denies.

Baghaei harshly criticized Washington for backing Tel Aviv, claiming Israeli forces used U.S.-made weapons in the strikes. “The United States either enabled or turned a blind eye to the Zionist aggression,” he stated.

Israel, which has never signed the NPT, maintains a long-standing policy of nuclear ambiguity and is widely believed to possess its own undeclared arsenal.

Iran’s potential withdrawal from the NPT would mark a turning point in the global non-proliferation regime and could further escalate tensions in the Middle East.

IN THIS ARTICLE